{"id":140409,"date":"2026-02-02T07:57:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T07:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/140409\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T07:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T07:57:08","slug":"college-board-approves-memorandum-of-understanding-with-tampa-bay-rays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/140409\/","title":{"rendered":"College Board Approves Memorandum Of Understanding With Tampa Bay Rays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Standing at the podium is Dr. Ken Atwater, college president. Behind him on the left is Greg Celestan, chairman of the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees. On Atwater\u2019s right is Ken Babby, Tampa Bay Rays CEO. <\/p>\n

The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees voted unanimously this week to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing the college to explore a potential partnership tied to the redevelopment of a new ballpark on a portion of its Dale Mabry campus.<\/p>\n

Board Chairman Greg Celestan said the vote reflects a shared vision for long-term community impact that extends beyond professional sports.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is about so much more than a ballpark,\u201d Celestan said. \u201cIt\u2019s about economic development, opportunity for our students and creating something meaningful that benefits Tampa Bay for generations. Welcoming the Rays home to this site while creating a live, work, play and learn district is an extraordinary opportunity, and we\u2019re ready to help get this project in motion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Under the agreement, Hillsborough College would continue operating on the Dale Mabry campus throughout any planning or construction phases. Instruction and student services would remain uninterrupted, with temporary on-campus facilities utilized as needed to ensure academic continuity. Long-term plans call for the development of new academic buildings and the reconfiguration of existing spaces to integrate into a shared, mixed-use campus environment.<\/p>\n

Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater described the proposal as a transformational opportunity centered on enhancing the student experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cA project of this scale and vision creates new pathways for learning, workforce development, internships and career-connected education,\u201d Atwater said. \u201cBy reimagining the Dale Mabry campus within a dynamic, mixed-use district, we are strengthening our role as an economic and civic anchor while expanding opportunity for our students, faculty and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

College officials emphasized that the MOU does not obligate Hillsborough College to move forward with the project. The agreement allows the institution to explore feasibility and collaboration while preserving the board\u2019s authority to terminate the MOU at any time.<\/p>\n

Hillsborough College serves more than 46,000 students annually across five campuses throughout Tampa Bay, offering associate and baccalaureate degrees as well as certificates and diplomas at approved levels. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).<\/p>\n

For more information about Hillsborough College, visit www.hcfl.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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